Samhain Ball Redux - Second Star to the Right

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Something flits through the skies of the Nexus, bobbing and swooping only to climb again, an ecstatic aerial dance. At last, mirth of the moment giving way to some other whim, the flying figure drifts groundward, turning and drifting like a falling leaf until his feet, clad in pointed-toed green suede moccasins alight. Forest green tights hug lean legs all the way up to a bright green tunic, belted with rich brown leather and a bright brass buckle. On his left hip hang a set of pan pipes; on his right, a black-handled knife. An impish grin curls his lips, his eyes sparkle with the promise of mischief, and a pert green cap sits atop his head, crowned by a lone red feather. Could this be the black-suited GQ cover model who makes himself ubiquitous in the better-traveled spaces of the Nexus? Could it be Schön?

It is. "People of the Nexus, friends, in the world from which I hail we stand on the cusp of a special day, a harvest-fest when the walls between worlds grow thin, when masks and costumes are worn to frighten away wicked spirits--or to invite them in on more congenial terms. Today we bid Summer adieu, and raise fire and song to meet the long night! Join me, for an evening to last a lifetime, and a farewell to a season well-loved." His hand rises, pointing to where two bright beacons blaze in the churn of the Nexus' heavens. "Second star to the right, and we'll keep on 'til morning!" Crowing with laughter, he soars for that distant point like an arrow, leaving a trail of sparkling, glittering motes of light for anyone interested to follow.

Perched on the border between the parklands and the residential district, the night sky is like a pillow of iridescent black velvet, on which have been scattered an embarrassment of diamonds. Like an enormous pumpkin, a harvest moon presides over the shimmering vista, orange and plump. The air is cool and crisp, punctuated by the crackling hiss of dry leaves in motion every time a breeze picks up.

At the center of it all sits a stately house of Gothic style, ivy-clad and waiting. A square tower stands vigil over the entryway, tall windows overlooking the flagstone drive looping around a fountain full of water as blue and bright as a tropical sea. In the fountain stands an island, and if one peers closely enough, one might imagine they see figures moving about--on the deck of the tiny ship anchored in a cove, or swimming and splashing in a lagoon, or even creeping through the wooded interior. Of the house, the windows of the wings seem dark, perhaps waiting, but the line of the roof is limned with some glow from beyond, and the faint throb of distant music promises that the evening holds more than surfaces. The door stands open, a silent invitation to every brave soul who passes by.

((Happy Halloween! Enjoy the festivities, threadhopping is encouraged, tag back whenever you have time, and don't worry about missing out--we'll still be here when you get back.)) YouTube Playlist Visualosity Entrance Ballroom Banquet Bonfire Dark Corners

Comments

Shinki are very good at hiding.

[hafuri_shinki]

Being very used to lurking, it's only natural Kazuma is lurking about in one of those dark corners.

He's in the gardens, wandering calmly amidst the plants there. He pauses before a bush of fragrant roses and leans in to sniff gently, nodding his approval at the scent before continuing on. This is really a wonderful place; he's glad he had the time to stop by.

Now if only he could have brought his lady with him...but no, not this time.

((hopefully this is now in the right spot))

Re: Shinki are very good at hiding.

[damn_yourself_early]

((Definitely one of the right spots!))

There's a boy of eleven or twelve poking around the gardens, exploring nooks and crannies with the boundless curiosity of youth (and the boundless energy bestowed by that sweet-sweet punch he's carrying). He's dressed in worn jeans, scuffed sneakers, and a green hooded sweatshirt. It may look like the casual wear of a twenty-first century street urchin, but it's a costume, promise! Would he lie?

Catching a glimpse of the man, he flashes a grin and waves a greeting. "Happy Halloween!" he calls, digging a Starkphone out of one of his hoodie's pockets and pointing its camera at the man. "What's your costume?"

Re: Shinki are very good at hiding.

[hafuri_shinki]

Kazuma turns at the voice from nearby, blinking and pushing his glasses up on his nose. Ah, a child. He has to smile, thinking of the boundless capability of youth to enjoy holidays. Especially prank-y ones.

"Me? Oh, nothing spectacular really. Have you heard of Bishamonten, the God of War?" He pauses for a moment, then amends himself a bit - "Well, Goddess, in this case, but--"

Yes, he's dressed in his lady's clothes. They're...quite revealing. On a woman, they'd likely show a goodly amount of cleavage, but on either gender they show an equally goodly amount of leg. At least they do fall short of obscenity.

[damn_yourself_early]

"I've known many gods and goddesses," the boy admits, punctuating with the click of his cameraphone, "and heard of many more, but not a Bishamonten. Is she part of a pantheon? Her name sounds Japanese, but that looks a little more like what the Internet thinks Japan is like." Tactful, isn't he?

[hafuri_shinki]

"A pantheon of sorts, yes. The Seven Lucky Gods - who are exactly what they sound like. There's War, Fortune, Prosperity, Time, Wisdom, Longevity and Wealth." Kazuma doesn't mind having his picture taken; he even poses a little. "And yes, I'll admit it's a bit of an unorthodox outfit, but it serves my lady well."

[brave_heart_verity]

Oh, look who's just in time to be too late to stop Loki. (Isn't that always the way with gods and their mortal admirers?) Verity had been skimming over the tops of the hedges, looking for someone. When she spots him, she descends on the godling with a laugh, hands covering his eyes, because it's going to be so hard to guess who it is when she starts talking. "Surprise!"

Then she spares a glance for his companion, and after a moment remembers the young man. He gets a smile as she shifts her hold on Loki to a hug. "Hello again... Kazuma?"

[hafuri_shinki]

"You remembered." Kazuma beams, bowing deeply to Verity. "Verity, wasn't it? It's very good to see you again. You look well."

He's not at all fussed by Verity's flying or sudden appearance out of seemingly nowhere. That sort of thing is par for the course back home.

[damn_yourself_early]

"Verity!" Loki greets her cheerfully. "Great costume! Kazuma was just telling me about a pantheon I've never heard of before. Isn't that exciting?"

[brave_heart_verity]

The problem wasn't remembering so much as reconciling the impression he'd given her of being, well, prim and proper with that outfit he's wearing.

Wow.

"Yes, Verity. It's good to see you again, too. I'd been wondering where you were." Wait no don't stare. She ducks her head to press her cheek against Loki's hair for a moment, listening to them both with her usual care. "That's very exciting, dear. But don't either of you get too tired up with work, hmm? And no, you can't have a servant too, so don't even."

[hafuri_shinki]

Kazuma has to laugh at that last bit, shaking his head. "Was that directed at me or at him? Although I'll bet it likely applies to both of us."

Ahem. "I've just been busy entertaining my lady, is all. She's become rather fond of board games lately...although perhaps that's likely because she just thinks they're another way to come up with strategies." Someone may or may not have decided to play Risk with some of the younger shinki, who may or may not have shown it to Lady Bishamon, and well, you know how these things snowball.

[damn_yourself_early]

"Probably me," Loki answers. "Aesir aren't really the having-servants sort, but better safe I suppose."

"Board games? I like board games," Loki puts in. "What kinds of board games? Have you tried Clue?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Loki," she confirms. "Only because he pretends to listen to me sometimes." And because she worries about him, but they don't need to talk about that in public.

She is aware of how gods can be obsessive over new things. It came up once or twice. The reasons behind her elude her, but she learned a couple of coping mechanisms. With her Loki, bacon was usually a success lure. "Board games can be very strategic. Loki, do you think you could teach him hnefatafl?"

[hafuri_shinki]

"Hnefa...what now?" Kazuma's interest is very much piqued.

"Clue is a favorite with the younger shinki. I think it's the mystery angle. Personally, I prefer Monopoly."

[damn_yourself_early]

"Ah, Monopoly. That classic game of boredom, accusing the banker of cheating, and losing friends and pieces in equal measure when someone topples the board in frustration. Excellent choice!" Loki grins and gives a double thumbs-up.

"Hnefatafl," he repeats, adding, "think 'Viking chess.' One player controls the king and his retainers in the center of the board, while the other controls the enemies arrayed around the edge. Also prone to board-toppling tantrums."

[brave_heart_verity]

"The rules are easy to learn, but the strategies..." Verity gives a small shrug and a smile. "Think your lady would want practice dealing with escaping when outnumbered?"

If she's trying to practice strategy, it's the sort of inevitable situation she'll have to prepare for.

"Or yeah, Monopoly's good if you want to hate capitalism."

[hafuri_shinki]

"Actually, that doesn't sound like a half bad idea." Kazuma is very intrigued. It's not as if Bishamon hasn't practiced strategic retreat before, but that's sort of a weak link in their combat chain, so to speak. "I'd like to learn this...hnefatafl."

He probably butchered that a bit with his Japanese accent, but he's trying.

[damn_yourself_early]

"I'll teach you to play, sometime!" Loki offers. "Loser has to put on a shirt!" He wouldn't be his precocious, mischievous self without remarks like that.

[brave_heart_verity]

He's trying, and that's the important thing. Ver's pretty sure her pronunciation isn't perfect either. "I'll dig our my board, if you'd like. I'm sure Loki will be an excellent teacher. He'd never cheat with someone who's learning, that wouldn't be any fun."

She expects them both to take her meaning.

[hafuri_shinki]

Kazuma laughs and nods, his eyes briefly flicking towards Loki and then Verity in silent understanding. Though really, once he's learnt, he might still actually have a lot of fun even despite cheating.

"That would be greatly appreciated."

[damn_yourself_early]

"Cheating?" Loki scoffs, the picture of offended dignity. "Me? There's not even anywhere to put in codes."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Hmm. Of course, silly me." Verity gives Loki an indulgent smile and a squeeze. She shouldn't let him get away with things so easily...

But Kazuma understands that too, doesn't he? The things mortals do for the gods they adore.

"Have you two been enjoying the party?"

[hafuri_shinki]

He does indeed understand. Especially considering how devoted he and his fellows are to their lady.

"It is very enjoyable, yes. I just wanted to get a bit of fresh air, is all." Kazuma smiles. "You're not bothering me, for the record."

[damn_yourself_early]

"Oh, it's great! All the costumes!" Loki exclaims, grinning wide. "And you know how I like meeting new people."

[brave_heart_verity]

She smiles at the reassurance. "It does get a little crowded inside. And the bonfire is so pretty."

Loki gets a grin returned. "Do you? I hadn't noticed. Remember to thank our host before you leave." So bossy!

[hafuri_shinki]

"A place like this is excellent for meeting all sorts of people, isn't it?" Kazuma looks thoughtful, folding his arms as he gazes at Loki. "Perhaps you'd like to tell me of some of the people you've met?"